In early November, Gos Home (Chairman of the HCPT) and Charles Home (CHA Convenor) spent a few days in the Borders, staying as usual at Mansefield, a brilliant B&B at the eastern end of Greenlaw, run by Pippa & Tim Culham. They are, in addition to being excellent hosts, mines of local information and their place is unreservedly recommended.

The Borders looked beautiful. Clear blue skies and autumnal trees showed the area off at its best.

The task there was twofold:

Firstly, now that the extra land to the south of Hume Castle is in Association and Trust hands, meetings had been set up with Tweed Forum, the Borders Council and Historic Environment Scotland in Edinburgh. These meetings were very positive and a path forward, towards the goal of archeological works showing parts of the original Hume village on the castle slopes, was identified.

Secondly to start planning the main locations for the Clan Gathering in August 2018. The Gathering dates have been set for the weekend of 11th and 12th of August with possible events on the Friday 10th and also Monday 13th. More details about these venues will be available once firm bookings have been confirmed. It seems a long way away, but plans have started, hopefully to make the 2018 Gathering the best yet. Some task after the huge success of the 2013 event, admittedly, but very doable.

The time spent around Hume was fast-paced and exhilarating. A wonderful reminder of how fortunate we all are to be associated with such a beautiful landscape, people and ever-intertwining story.